Students, parents question boundary changes for D-11 schools

School boundary lines are changing in southern Colorado's largest district after the decision to close three schools.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -

More changes are on the way for southern Colorado's biggest school district. District 11 is redrawing school boundaries after a vote earlier this month to close Wasson High School, and Bates and Lincoln elementary schools.

"I just want to know where are my friends going to be for next year," said Wasson sophomore Daisy Vicencio. "Where am I going to be going?"

It's not just students from Wasson, Bates and Lincoln who are wondering. The school closures mean boundary lines are changing for elementary and high school students throughout the district.

Some parents and students gathered at a meeting Tuesday to address their concerns.

"We've lived in (our) neighborhood for over 20 years," said parent Brian Worby. "It's always been a neighborhood that's gone to Coronado and now it's changing to Doherty."

District leaders say students whose schools are still open will be able to stay at the school they're in now, regardless of boundary changes. That means high schoolers will be able to graduate from their current school.

"Kids who have been going to a particular school, the board does believe in grandfathering, so they will grandfather those students in," said D-11 spokesperson Devra Ashby.

The district still doesn't know, however, if transportation will be provided to those "grandfathered" students.

Ashby says that students whose schools are closing are able to submit an application to attend the school of their choice. Those students will be given priority. She says no faculty from the schools that are closing will lose their jobs.

"The teachers will follow the students," said Ashby. "So if the students move to a particular school, obviously there will be a need for teachers at those schools, so they'll be hired in."

The D-11 school board will take a final vote on the boundary changes on Wednesday Feb. 27. To see the proposed maps and learn more information click here.

There will be another meeting about high school changes at Tesla EOC at 6:45 p.m. D-11 officials say people with questions can also call the district at 719-520-2000.

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